The signals sent by the body remain unchanged across time. It is only the way we understand those signals that has become more detailed and scientific. What Donguibogam describes as deficiency of qi and blood and a faint pulse can often be explained in modern medicine as hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension or chronic hypotension.
Our blood pressure is divided into the pressure when the heart contracts (systolic blood pressure) and the pressure when it relaxes (diastolic blood pressure), and generally, a reading of 90/60 mmHg or lower is diagnosed as hypotension. When blood pressure drops, the blood supply to major organs, including the brain, decreases, leading to various symptoms. The most common are dizziness and fatigue. Experiencing vision dimming and feeling lightheaded when standing up from a seated position is a classic symptom of orthostatic hypotension. This occurs because our body's autonomic nervous system, which must regulate blood pressure in response to postural changes, fails to function properly. The autonomic nervous system consists of the sympathetic nerve and the parasympathetic nerve. When blood pressure drops, the sympathetic nerve activates to constrict blood vessels and increase the heart rate to maintain blood pressure. However, when this regulatory capacity weakens, blood pressure drops momentarily.
Chronic hypotension can have several causes. The most common is blood volume deficiency. Blood volume decreases during severe dehydration or hemorrhage, which can lower blood pressure. Taking diuretics or certain antihypertensives, heart disease (decreased cardiac output), endocrine disease (such as adrenal insufficiency or hypothyroidism), and even hormonal changes during pregnancy can induce hypotension. Additionally, it can manifest as a symptom of neurological problems or serious systemic conditions such as sepsis.
Just as Donguibogam explained that a deficiency of qi is the cause of a weakening pulse, modern medicine also recognizes that when the overall bodily vitality and functions necessary to maintain blood pressure—such as myocardial contractility, vascular elasticity, and blood volume regulation—decline, the pulse takes on a weak and thin pattern. Like a feeble stream of water, as the pressure of blood flowing through the vessels weakens, the pulse feels thin and weak. This should be taken as an important signal indicating not merely a blood pressure number, but a decline in our circulatory system, autonomic regulation, and overall physical vitality.
Especially if you repeatedly experience dizziness or lethargy, do not simply dismiss it as anemia. It is essential to visit a hospital to identify and treat the underlying cause through an accurate diagnosis. Paying attention to your body's subtle signals is the first step in protecting your health.
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